Celebrating our Independence Day this 4th of July with loved ones and friends is a favorite past time for most of us. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office would like to remind those celebrating this holiday weekend that possession of illegal fireworks is a crime, and individuals found with these items will be arrested and the fireworks will be confiscated.

Illegal fireworks are categorized as both dangerous and safe-and-sane. Dangerous fireworks are best described as any firework that explodes or has the capability of being shot through the air. Safe-and-sane fireworks are all others. Only safe-and-sane fireworks are legal in the City of Fillmore from now through July 5th at noon. Fireworks are illegal in all other areas in Ventura County.

Additionally, driving under the influence and discharging a firearm into the air are two very dangerous acts that have also become familiar with this day. Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony punishable by one year in state prison. If you see or hear illegal fireworks, someone discharging a firearm, or driving under the influence, please dial 911.

Let's all enjoy our Independence Day by drinking responsibly, not discharging any weapons into the air, and leaving the fireworks displays throughout our County to the experts.